JohnH.Purton

BANGOR - John H. Purton died unexpectedly Feb. 13, 2013, at his home. He was born Oct. 8, 1949, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, the son of Paul F. and Carmen E. (Bell) Purton.

John was a graduate of Calais Memorial High School, was a graduate of the University of Maine and earned his master's degree from Husson College. His teaching career of more than 35 years began in Calais and completed after 23 years at Bangor High School. He took great pride in seeing so many of the students that he had the honor to teach achieve their goals in life through education.

John will be forever missed by his partner of 33 years, Denis Cranson of Bangor; one sister, Judy Knowlton and her husband, Jim, of Sidney; two brothers, Dale Purton and his wife, Janet, of Calais and Dennis Purton and his wife, Jane, of Pewaukee, Wis.; four nieces and nephews, Jenessa Knowlton, Amanda Pelletier, Chloe Purton and Emma Purton; an uncle, Robert Purton and his wife, Maureen, of Corona, Calif.; and an aunt, Jacquelyn B. Lawler of Waterville. He will also be deeply missed by his four special pups, Noelle, Liza, Binky and Jasper.

Services for John will be private in keeping with his wishes. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Kindred Spirits Fund, P.O. Box 63, Orrington, ME 04474. Proceeds will be used to provide the gift of life to animals owned by the elderly who can be saved, but would otherwise not be due to financial hardship. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. Condolences to John's family may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.